Pork Belly Burnt Ends Oven Recipe: Fall-Off-The-Bone Deliciousness

Forget the smoker! This recipe delivers incredibly tender, flavorful pork belly burnt ends right in your home oven. These melt-in-your-mouth bites are perfect for game day, a special occasion, or just a truly satisfying weeknight meal. Get ready for the best burnt ends you've ever tasted!

What are Burnt Ends?

Burnt ends are a barbecue delicacy typically made from the point end of a beef brisket. However, pork belly burnt ends offer a richer, more intensely flavored alternative. The magic lies in the slow cooking process that renders the fat, creating incredibly tender, caramelized, and crispy edges. This recipe achieves that same amazing result without needing a smoker.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 3 lbs pork belly, skin scored (about 1.5-inch thick)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• Your favorite BBQ sauce (about 1 cup)

Step-by-Step Oven-Baked Pork Belly Burnt Ends Recipe:

Step 1: Preparing the Pork Belly

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Score the pork belly skin in a crosshatch pattern, about ½ inch apart, being careful not to cut all the way through. This allows the fat to render properly.

Step 2: Seasoning and Roasting

Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this spice mixture generously all over the pork belly.

Place the seasoned pork belly in a roasting pan. Add the beef broth and apple cider vinegar to the bottom of the pan. This helps keep the pork belly moist during cooking.

Roast for 2.5-3 hours, or until the pork belly is very tender and easily pierced with a fork. You should be able to easily pull it apart.

Step 3: Cubing and Caramelizing

Remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. Using two forks, carefully shred the pork belly into 1-1.5 inch cubes.

Return the cubed pork belly to the roasting pan, discarding most of the liquid (reserve about a cup for extra moisture if needed). Toss the cubes with your favorite BBQ sauce, ensuring they're evenly coated.

Return the pan to the oven, now broiled on high, for 5-7 minutes, or until the burnt ends are caramelized and crispy. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. You may need to rotate the pan or stir the cubes to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Serving your Delicious Burnt Ends

Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. These pork belly burnt ends are incredibly delicious on their own, but they also pair well with coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread.

Tips for Perfect Pork Belly Burnt Ends:

• Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space between the pork belly cubes for even browning.
• Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your pork belly. Check for tenderness with a fork.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces and spice rubs to create your own unique flavor profile. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat!
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the burnt ends ahead of time and reheat them before serving.

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